​*Note: This responsible use agreement will be part of the policy section in each building's handbook. It will be separate from the sheet that is signed that requires students to read over all of the policies. Students can only access the internet after they and their parents sign and return the agreement. Teachers will be expected to hang this agreement by the computers in their rooms.



The Methacton School District offers students access to the Internet to support the district's vision and mission. Many of the essential tools for teaching and learning in the 21st century require internet access. While the internet can be used as an extension of the classroom, it also presents potential risks to student safety. Students and staff members must understand the responsibilities that come with internet access so they can discriminate among information sources to protect themselves and others. Listed below are guidelines that outline responsible use for district-issued and personal devices that are used on school property. Students are responsible for appropriate behavior online just as they are in a classroom or any other area of the school. All network users are required to read and sign the attached agreement. This agreement has been formed to meet the age level of your child. Failure to submit a signed form will result in your student not being allowed to use 21st Century tools for instructional purposes.


Information in pink was added by Mrs. Laffey's 5th grade class at Arrowhead.
I WILL:
  • follow internet safety rules to protect myself and others
  • make responsible choices while I'm using the internet and district devices
  • be gentle with the school's equipment and treat it as my own
  • use the computers for school-related purposes.
  • keep my usernames and passwords to myself and respect and protect the privacy of myself and others
  • communicate only in ways that are kind and respectful
  • only visit appropriate sites that are allowed by my teacher. If I want to go to a new site, I will ask my teacher for approval.
  • tell a teacher if I notice someone who is not being a responsible computer user
  • tell a teacher if I notice broken equipment
  • immediately click the back button or the "X" button if I find something inappropriate online. If that doesn't work, I will turn the monitor off and tell a teacher.
  • Tell a teacher if I receive a hurtful message online.
  • Use safe usernames and passwords, that do not include my first or last name, when directed to create them by my teacher
  • ask an adult before I download or print
  • I will cite my sources for all information taken from the Internet or other sources.
  • be honest with my teacher, principal or parent if I forgot to follow a rule in this policy


I WILL NOT:
  • share my private information with other students.
  • type my full name, address, or any other personal/school information on the internet without my teacher's permission
  • pretend to be someone else online or use someone else's login
  • intentionally click on advertisements
  • copy information that I find and pretend it is my own (plagiarize)
  • intentionally move, change, or delete someone else's file on the network
  • go to websites other than those allowed by my teacher
  • use the Internet to bully, harass or threaten others
  • use pictures that are not my own (violate copyright law)
  • share information online that I want to be kept secret
  • not register on a new site unless I have my teacher's or parent's permission
  • click on suspicious links


I UNDERSTAND:
  • That some things I read on the internet may not be true
  • That the computers and network belong to the District. Using them is a privilege, not a right.
  • The computers, network and printers may not work every day.
  • The things that I do on a school computer or network are not private. My teachers and/or District staff members may review my work and activities at any time.
  • That by signing this document, it is my responsibility to read and follow the terms in this responsible use agreement.
  • I might not be allowed to use the computers or District network if I break these rules.


Student signature: _ Date:



As the parent/guardian of _, I acknowledge that I have reviewed this agreement with my student. I understand that the technology tools used in school are designed for educational purposes. MSD has many filters in place to eliminate controversial material; however, I understand that no filtering system is capable of blocking 100% of the inappropriate material on the internet. If my child disregards the guidelines of the school and/or system, I am aware that he/she may find ways to access other materials via the internet which may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people. I will not hold MSD or its employees responsible for materials acquired on the internet. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child's use is not in a school setting.

Parent/Guardian's Name (please print):
Parent/Guardian's Signature:
Date:


I understand that the proper use of the internet and the educational value to be gained from proper Internet use, is the joint responsibility of the student, parent(s) and MSD employees:

Teacher signature:
Date: